Environmentally-Friendly Furniture

Check out these tips for keeping your furniture environmentally-friendly by recycling, reclaiming and refinishing.

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If you're in the market for new furniture, first ask yourself if anything in your home can be repurposed or if you might find what you're looking for at a local flea market, thrift store or antique shop. You'll save on fuel costs for shipping and help your community. If those options won't work, here are some tips for buying as green as you can:

1. Hunt for Furniture Online. Free, local classified ads for everything from sofas to dining tables, both new and old, are available online at websites such as Craigslist.org.

3. Use Earth-Friendly Finishes. Skip the toxins that accompany that new-paint smell. The smell comes from volatile organic compounds emitted not just by paints and lacquers but also by paint strippers, cleaning supplies, building materials and furnishings, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Instead, look for nontoxic paints and stains made with such natural materials as seed oils, citrus-peel extracts, milk protein, lime and clay.

For many of us, a natural tree trimmed with decorations is what Christmas is all about. Caring for a cut tree properly will prolong its fresh scent and vibrant color. Also important is knowing how to recycle the tree after the holidays.